Tag Archives: John Batchelder

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Rick and I had a Steller's Jay nest just outside one of our doors. It was in an abelia bush, a lovely flowering bush that Monarch Butterflies love. The chicks left the nest yesterday and were standing a few inches away. I photographed this chick as he/she stood perfectly still.

John Batchelder, a Sightings contributor, sent in a photo of Pacific Wren fledglings. He made the comment that their beaks are too big for their heads. Well, that's definitely the case here too! Don't worry, this chick will grow into its beak. This is what the Jay will look like when it is mature. This great photo was taken by Robert Scarola. Thank you, Robert!

It's warm and breezy again today. Amazingly enough, there is a storm forecast for late tomorrow/early Thursday. We don't often get storms from the north in June! But after the drought, the rain is always welcome. Forecast for the weekend, if you'd like to plan a trip here, is fabulous!

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In our last series of rainstorms, John Batchelder photographed a very bedraggled, soaked Red-shouldered Hawk.

The hawk doesn't look too happy, does he? Hope he dried out over the past several days of sun.  Here's a photo John took of one of these hawks on a dry day.

Another series of storms is predicted to bring lots of rain to the Mendonoma Coast starting late tomorrow. Here we go again!

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photo with you here.

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John and Janice Batchelder purchased a handheld Hummingbird feeder. Janice filled it with one part sugar and four parts water, and stood on her deck, holding the feeder. She said it didn't take long until a local Anna's Hummingbird came to investigate. He/she landed rather gingerly.

an-annas-hummingbird-lands-on-janice-batchelders-hand-by-john-batchelderAnd the the hummer settled in to feed.

janice-batchelder-with-a-handheld-hummingbird-feeder-by-john-batchelderThese feeders are called "Humm Buttons." I'm thinking I might want to get one too!

Thanks to John and Janice for allowing me to share their photos with you here.

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A nearly-white fawn was born on The Sea Ranch. Not an albino, but considered a towhead. It will eventually color up. John Batchelder recently got a photo of the cute fawn with its mother.

White Fawn with its mother by John BatchelderYou will see it is acquiring some color on its back. Here's another look at the fawn.

Nearly-white Fawn by John Batchelder

It's wonderful to see the fawn looking so healthy. John says the fawn is very active, jumping and playing. Life is good when you are a cute fawn on The Sea Ranch!

Thanks to John for allowing me to share his photos with you here.

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John Batchelder spotted this fawn at The Sea Ranch. It is mostly white, but has some color on its back.

Nearly-white Fawn by John BatchelderThis isn't the first time we've had a white fawn born on the Mendonoma coast. It seems there is a Buck or two with a recessive gene for this condition. It is considered to be a tow-head, and the fawn will eventually color up, similar to a human child being born with blond hair, but it turns to brown as the child grows older.

Here is a photo by Gerda Rudolph of the white fawn born in 2014. You will see it had a normal-colored sibling.

2014 White Fawn and its normal-colored sibling by Gerda RandolphAnd this photo by Roland Coombs is one of my favorites!

White fawn by Roland CoombsThanks to John, Gerda and Roland for allowing me to share their photos with you here.